The IDD-MH Professional Development Series is designed to build expertise in professionals through evidence-based instruction and best practices. These courses are targeted to specific roles within human service delivery to enhance the ability to provide effective services for people with IDD and mental health needs. This series is offered twice a year, in the fall and spring. Each course consists of six (6) live webinar sessions facilitated weekly via Zoom (exact dates provided during registration). Registration closes the day before each course’s start date.
Course instruction is provided via live webinar by experts in the field from both professional and lived experience perspectives. Methods include adult learning and core START principles including:
- Strengths-based practices
- Positive psychology
- Wellness-based
- Biopsychosocial
- Trauma-Informed
- Cultural competence
- Person and family centered
As an evidence-based model, START utilizes the data and feedback from participant evaluations to continuously improve the format, content, and delivery of the courses to best meet learners' needs.
All IDD-MH courses have the following shared attributes:
- Six sessions each 105 minutes in length (75-min instruction + 30-min discussion)
- Facilitated by NCSS staff with expertise in IDD-MH; guest speakers & co-facilitators provide perspective of persons with lived experience/family members
- Sessions are held via Zoom, recorded, and shared with participants following each session.
- Additional materials targeted toward improved application of practices provided include: worksheets, articles, and other resources.
- Pre and post surveys and individual session evaluations.
- UNH CEUs offered
- Certificate of Completion in IDD-MH Training for [Mobile Crisis Responders/Care Coordinators/Direct Support Professionals]